Kentucky State Parks celebrating National Trails Day with hikes

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky State Parks will be taking part in National Trails Day on June 1 with events across the state to recognize the excellent hiking opportunities at state parks.

National Trails Day was launched by the American Hiking Society in 1993 to help promote exercise, trail development and the outdoors. It has grown to more than 2,000 events around the country.

The Kentucky State Parks have more than 250 miles of hiking trails. For more information, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Here is a listing of some of the events planned at Kentucky State Parks. All events are scheduled June 1 (all times local):

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

Guided Hike

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is offering a guided interpretive hike on National Trails Day. Meet in the lodge lobby at 6 p.m. to hike along the Connell Nature Trail. This is a 1-mile loop along moderate terrain. Please bring water, wear comfortable hiking shoes and apply bug spray. For more information, contact Jamie Avery at jamie.avery@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0057.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

Hook or Hike Day

The park will be celebrating National Trails Day and Free Fishing Weekend starting at 9 a.m. on June 1. Borrow a fishing pole from the marina for free to fish or hike part of our 2 miles of trail. Programs such as “Learn How to Fish,” Project Learning Tree, Project Wild and guided walks will be offered throughout the day to interpret history, wildlife, and the ecology of the park. Ideal for scouts, groups or anyone else interested in enjoying the environment. Call 1-800-325-0058.

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus

Living History

Celebrate National Trails Day with a living history program at this Civil War site. There will be guided history hikes, demonstrations, a Civil War encampment and museum tours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Columbus-Belmont. Call 270-677-2327.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin

Trek to Dog Slaughter Falls

Hike along the Cumberland River Gorge to a very unique waterfall with an unusual name. The hike is moderate to strenuous, is 6 miles in length and should last five to six hours. Meet in the great room of the Dupont Lodge at 10 a.m. Bring lunch, water and a camera. Call 1-800-325-0063.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson

Lantern Hike/National Trails Day

Venture out with our interpretation staff on National Trails Day and hike by lantern light. Some kid-friendly battery-lanterns will be provided. Feel free to bring your own; please no glass lanterns. Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and meet us at the Audubon Museum. Hike lasts 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Contact Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

Trail Work and Hikes

Lake Barkley State Resort Park will again be celebrating National Trails Day. Join the trail care crew at 8 a.m. in the lower parking lot to work on a trail project, or join one of our guided hikes throughout the day. At 10 a.m., meet in the upper lobby for a History of Lake Barkley hike to learn about the unique architecture of the lodge and the creation of Lake Barkley from the Cumberland River. At 3 p.m., join us for a walk and activities based on the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics. To end the day, meet in the upper lobby at 8 p.m. for a sunset walk on one of our favorite trails. For more information, contact Nick.edmonds@ky.gov or 270-924-1131, ext. 196.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Twilight Trail Trek

Grab your flashlight and walking shoes for a hike to unlock nature’s wonders of the night! Join a park naturalist at the nature center June 1 at 8 p.m. for an exciting nighttime trail excursion. All the sights and sounds of the night will come alive as we make our way down scenic Lake Bluff Trail. The 1.5 mile trek includes moderate walking and climbing, but will be conducted at a leisurely pace. Children 12 and under are required to be accompanied by an adult. The hike is free. Call 1-800-325-1709.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade
Trail Trek
Natural Bridge State Resort Park will hold its third hike as part of its Trail Trek Series on June 1. This hike will be a 4-mile trek on the Rock Garden trail and the Battleship Rock Trail. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Participants need to dress for the weather and bring plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch if desired. Meet at the Hemlock Lodge lobby at 9 a.m. The fee is $5 per person. Minimum age is 10 and ages 10-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 1-800-325-1710.

Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville

Explore Boone’s Wilderness Road

Have you ever wondered what it may have been like to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Boone as he made his way into the unknown “Kaintucke” wilderness? Those hearty adventurers were ordinary, everyday folks that sought to build a better life in a new country. Though they didn’t know it, they were really on their way to build a nation. This historical adventure tour will feature a visit to Wilderness Road State Park (Virginia) to begin retracing the steps of Boone and the path of the pioneers. Featured at the site is the Martin's Station Colonial-era fort.

Advanced registration is required; departure time from the park is 8 a.m. The registration fee is $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Van transportation provided. Participants are encouraged to bring a day pack with water, snacks, and lunch. Total field trip time is six hours. Make lodging reservations separately. To register, contact the park’s Guest Services Desk at 800-325-1712 or 606-337-3066 and mention the Wilderness Road Tour.